Chapter I: New Normal

HG

O4/06/2000, 14:02

Countesswells, Scotland

The world had been grey for two years too long.

Hermione chuckled. It suited the world they lived in anyways. Sun and clear skies would have been nothing less than a mockery.

She didn't want to feel the rays beating down on her, warming her hair and skin.

She didn't want to feel anything but what was - the death of her best friends, the fall of the Light, the terror-filled reign of everything dark and disgusting in the world. Him.

She couldn't speak his name. She wouldn't even if she could. But the taboo was still intact. They called him the Dark Lord, or they faced an end far worse than the Chosen One.

Hermione barely spoke of him at all. There was no one to speak to, anyway.

She was alone in her journey.

Completely and utterly alone.

CY

04/06/2000, 15:56

Unknown

"Those mudbloods are still complainin'," Crabbe walked in, a smirk on his twisted face.

Rodolphus laughed. "Give a good fright?"

Crabbe mock-whimpered, earning a laugh from the rest of the lot.

Idiots, they were. Corban cared little for their frivolous activities. His lord had given him responsibilities far greater than igniting terror within the pathetic creatures. He was to maintain political ties, and keep the Ministry in line.

Corban knew what he was trying to do. Pacify him, keep him satisfied with some small amount of power.

He knew that his followers were loyal to an extent. Hell, most of them were more than satisfied to kick around the Mudbloods and bark orders at the employees of Diagon Alley.

Corban was never satisfied. He was barely pacified with what he had now. He was a leader of Slytherin House back when he attended Hogwarts - he seized power from his peers and teammates. Now, he was stuck under the rule of a man with the appearance of a snake, and the intentions of a typical tyrant. Expand and control.

The Dark Lord, as they called him, seemingly knew nothing of the advantages of persuasion and quiet intimidation.

It would be his downfall.

I just wanted to outline the premise before I actually delve into the story itself. I think I'll try to maintain the location, date, and time throughout the entire story.

Also, this is probably going to be dark. Maybe not overly so, but given the situation itself...

Thanks for reading! Let me know if it interests you.